Buon Gusto takeaway: Perfect park picnic food with serious Italian pedigree
Buon Gusto
Address
:
Herbert Park Food Market, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.
Telephone
:
N/A
Cuisine
:
Italian
Website
:
Cost
:
€€
What's on offer?
Patrizio Di Pietrantonio, originally from Pescara on Italy's Adriatic coast, has been working in kitchens since the age of 16, drawing on a culinary legacy from his grandparents, who ran a beachside restaurant in Pescara.
With more than 20 years' experience cooking around the world and absorbing influences, Di Pietrantonio officially launched his food stall, Buon Gusto, in August 2023 at the Merrion Square Food Market. He also trades at St Anne's Park and Herbert Park.
Piadina, Buon Gusto's signature flatbread from Emilia-Romagna, was a staple food in rural Italian households and remains a standard of regional street food. Each piadina is cooked on a griddle, and filled to order with sliced Italian salumi, cheeses, or a vegetarian option.
The menu also includes lasagne, available in Bolognese (meat) or Genovese (vegetarian) style. Seasonal desserts include maritozzi with fresh cream, offered in a mini format suitable for children or small portions.
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Di Pietrantonio's next venture, set to open at Priory Market in Tallaght, will take a different approach, with pasta made on-site, paired with traditional sauces, and served with a focus on zero waste.
What did we order?
Piada Focosa, Piada Amore, and Lasagna Genovese.
How was the service?
Very pleasant. You order at the food stall and wait while your order is prepared.
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Was the food nice?
The Piada Focosa combines 'nduja, Ventricina salame, lettuce, yellow tomato sauce and chilli oil. Griddled to order, the flatbread is warm outside while the fresh fillings stay cool. The meats aren't evenly spread, but when they land, they bring solid heat and depth.
Patrizio Di Pietrantonio's next venture, set to open at Priory Market in Tallaght, will take a different approach, with pasta made on-site, paired with traditional sauces, and served with a focus on zero waste.
The Piada Amore pairs pistachio mortadella, burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, iceberg lettuce, and pistachio sauce in a lightly toasted flatbread. The creamy burrata and savoury mortadella complement each other, with sun-dried tomato adding weight and a touch of sweetness. Subtle and balanced, it's the softer, gentler counterpart to the Focosa, and was the pick of our orders.
The Lasagna Genovese layers pesto, courgettes, potatoes and green beans under a béchamel top. Nicely cooked pasta and clean flavours make it a solid, unfussy vegetarian option. You can order it hot or keep to reheat at home.
What about the packaging?
The Piadine are wrapped in paper and the lasagne is in a foil tray. There are plans to switch to biodegradable packaging from Down to Earth.
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What did it cost?
€32 for lunch for three people: Piada Focosa, €11; Piada Amore, €11; and Lasagna Genovese, €10.
Where does it deliver?
Takeaway only. Available at the following markets: Merrion Square, Thursday, 11am-2pm; St Anne's Park, Saturday, 10am-4pm; and Herbert Park, Sunday, 10am-4pm.
Would I order it again?
Yes, it's perfect park food, especially for picnics.
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